Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Vertigo Shot

This is one of my favorite film techniques. This is the vertigo shot. The vertigo shot is made by a mix of zooming in and moving the camera backwards, or zooming out and moving the camera foreword. It makes for an ominous feeling shot. It is commonly used for a revelation in the story or for fear. The shot was developed by Irmin Roberts. Roberts was a Paramount second unit camera man. His technique was first used in Alfred Hitchcock's Movie "Vertigo". Giving it the name "Vertigo Shot". This in camera special effect is now used commonly amongst films now. FIlms such as: Event Horizon, Pulp Fiction, Undercover Brother, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Etc. I have even used it in my films.